Faces of Rotary: Meet the Members Driving Community Impact

At the heart of the Rotary Club of Hamilton lies a dedicated network of civic leaders committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and service-oriented community. The Club’s members—spanning business, education, public service, and philanthropy—play a pivotal role in implementing high-impact initiatives that strengthen both local and global communities.

Founded in 1913, the Rotary Club of Hamilton adheres to the global framework of Rotary International’s governance structure, aligning local action with international humanitarian goals. The Club functions not only as a hub for strategic community engagement but also as a model of ethical volunteerism and civic responsibility in accordance with Canadian legal and charitable standards.

The Club’s leadership is comprised of the following 2025 officers and directors:

  • Laura Farr, President
  • Adam Oldfield, President Elect
  • Stewart Wynne, Sgt-at-Arms
  • Paul Takala, Director of Community Service (Local/International)
  • David Elliott, Secretary
    Clement Feierabend, Treasurer
  • Alex Moroz, Director of Fundraising & Communications
  • Cathi MacDonnell, Past President

Each leader serves not only in an administrative capacity but as an ambassador of the Club’s mission, ensuring service programs are responsive, accountable, and legally compliant. For example, Treasurer Clement Feierabend adheres to CRA guidelines for Canadian charities, maintaining fiscal transparency and proper donor stewardship.

Weekly board meetings, held on the second Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. at Dodsworth & Brown – Robinson Chapel (15 West Ave. N., Hamilton, ON), serve as formal venues for planning and policy review. These meetings balance parliamentary procedure with collaborative decision-making to ensure projects are legally sound, socially impactful, and strategically implemented.

Key initiatives include the Rotary Summer Literacy Program, Children’s Christmas Celebration, and regular food and hygiene support drives. These programs are designed and reviewed by board members, often in coordination with municipal agencies, schools, and partner organizations.

Rotary members also engage globally, contributing to efforts like the End Polio Now campaign, showcasing the Club’s alignment with global health and development objectives. These international efforts reinforce the notion that local engagement, when executed with integrity and planning, can have global resonance.

Moreover, the Club champions mentorship, capacity-building, and leadership development. New and prospective members are welcomed into a framework that encourages active participation in project management, community dialogue, and policy advocacy. This cultivates a robust civic infrastructure wherein ethical service becomes both a practice and a principle.

The strength of the Rotary Club of Hamilton is not measured by numbers, but by the dedication of its people—individuals who transform intention into action and vision into tangible outcomes. Through the leadership of its officers and directors, the Club exemplifies how sustained volunteerism and accountable governance can foster a more resilient and inclusive Hamilton.

Community members who are interested in joining the Rotary Club, supporting a local service initiative, or exploring collaborative partnership opportunities are encouraged to get involved.

Whether you’re looking to volunteer, become a member, or explore a partnership, there’s a place for you at Rotary. Every contribution—big or small—helps create a stronger Hamilton.Visit rotaryclubhamilton.ca to learn more and take the first step toward meaningful community engagement.